After going through a divorce while her children were young, Joanne dedicated her time to being a superhero single mom, giving her two daughters a fun-filled childhood — all while working insane hours to support her family. After a move from snowy Minnesota to sunny Los Angeles, Joanne finally dove back into the dating pool with Bumble, and it all paid off when she met the love of her life, Richard.

With a little encouragement from Joanne’s daughter, the lovebirds decided to share their sweet story below! 

When did you match on Bumble?

We were matched on January 1, 2017!

Joanne, what was the first message you sent on Bumble?

It was pretty simple. We matched on New Year’s Day so I just said “Happy New Year Richard.”

Richard, what was your first reply back?

I sent back, “Hi Joanne. Happy New Year to you too. Thanks for reaching out. Just read your profile. I believe that we may be on the same page. Like you, I too am not looking for a hook-up. Long term is what I’m after. Who knows…maybe I’m that guy?!”

What did you do for your first date?

We met for dinner at Hillstone restaurant in Santa Monica. He didn’t want the date to end, so he convinced me to go for dessert at the Cheesecake Factory. The funny thing was, he didn’t want anyone to know we went to Cheesecake Factory. He didn’t think that venue was a first date (or even a second date!) venue according to his female friends at work! 

Joanne, how did this match feel different?

There was something in his profile and in the pictures he had that just made him seem like a solid and happy person.

Richard, how did this match feel different?

For me, it was more about not giving up. I figured if I went on one hundred dates, I’d find that special person!

Joanne, what was your first impression of Richard? How did you feel before the first date?

He was handsome and very clean cut.  I thought, “Hmmm, he may be a bit too straight-laced for me and I’m probably a little too spicy for him.” I was hopeful that we would have a connection. At the same time I was realistic; I was only one half of an equation. I realized I was meeting another person who also had likes and hopes and dreams and wishes — perhaps it wouldn’t be a match.

Richard, what was your first impression of Joanne? How did you feel before the first date?

I thought that she was pretty that she had on nice jeans. I also noticed that she had a bit of a sassy ‘tude and her car was really clean! I was looking forward to the first 5 minutes of the date — because I always knew within 5 minutes — and then I would tune-in or tune-out. I tuned-in at “Hello.”

Joanne, what do you consider a unique aspect of your relationship now?

We laugh… a lot. And that is what I love about our relationship. I don’t need fancy dinners or extravagant trips to have a good time, and when he’s with me, he doesn’t need that either. Together, we are the entertainment.

Richard, what do you consider a unique aspect of your relationship now?

Well, it’s funny, because I had a list — and she failed the top two things on my list. First, she had pets. Second, she wasn’t working. But now, I love the dogs (don’t tell anyone that they are Chihuahuas!). After meeting her, I realized she was very accomplished and in school because she was transitioning to a new career she had always dreamed of pursuing.

Where are you now? 

We got married! On 12/11/17, with our children by our sides, we married in Maui, Hawaii. Dropped the mic. Sealed the deal. Now, we are enjoying getting settled into our life.

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